Patriots 42, Eagles 35: Passing fancy as Brady, offense impress

Brady trotted out for 23 snaps to start the game, the results consisting of the mostly good, at times great, and one costly error.

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By Craig GilvargDaily News staff

Milford Daily News

By Craig GilvargDaily News staff

Posted Aug. 15, 2014 at 11:58 PM
Updated Aug 16, 2014 at 9:44 PM

By Craig GilvargDaily News staff

Posted Aug. 15, 2014 at 11:58 PM
Updated Aug 16, 2014 at 9:44 PM

» Social News

FOXBORO — They were coming off a poor performance in Washington, with an active roster that featured more of the second string than the units that guided the team to an appearance in the AFC Championship last season.

So those hoping for a look at the top of the Patriots depth chart in Friday night’s Gillette Stadium preseason opener against the Eagles got their wish. And there was one All-World quarterback in particular on everyone’s radar.

After he sat out last week against the Redskins, catching a glimpse of Tom Brady in his first game action of the season was the operative goal for the fans who took the familiar trip down Rt. 1. They were treated to a healthy dose of the franchise signal caller, early and often.

Brady trotted out for 23 snaps to start the game, the results consisting of the mostly good, at times great, and one costly error.

Brady went 8-for-10 for 81 yards, one touchdown and one interception. It was a good showing for the starter. But the most pleasant surprise for the Patriots on this night was the performance of his backups.

Rookie Jimmy Garoppolo replaced Brady after two drives and went 6-for-12 for 72 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. After a poor game last week, Ryan Mallett played the entire second half and rebounded by going 7-for-11 for 92 and a touchdown while running for another score, leading the Patriots to the end zone three times.

A week after managing just six points against the Redskins, the muskets in Foxboro sounded off for six touchdowns, and the Patriots defeated the Eagles, 42-35.

"I thought we played a lot more competitively tonight," said Patriots coach Bill Belichick. "I thought the team did a good job out there overall... It wasn't always great, it wasn't always perfect but they battled, they played hard and we need to do that."

Right from the start, the Patriots appeared in sync offensively, with Brady marching New England down to the Philadelphia 30, connecting with receivers Kenbrell Thompkins and Danny Amendola on third-down conversions while running back Stevan Ridley picked up 24 yards on three carries.

"It's fun being out there," said Brady. "Sitting on the sideline like last week isn't nearly as fun, so getting out there and getting a chance to play a little bit was great."

But this is the preseason, and the Patriots showed they were far from the midseason form they first appeared.

On first-and-10, Brady looked for recently signed tight end Steve Maneri on a short pass on the left side. But their signals were mixed, and Maneri cut inside while Brady threw to the outside. Instead of his target, he found Eagles cornerback Cary Williams — yes, that Cary Williams, the one who stirred the pot by calling the Patriots "cheaters" ahead of this week’s joint practice session — who took it 77 yards along the sideline to the house. The play was reviewed but upheld, and the extra point gave the Eagles a 7-0 lead with 10:41 remaining in the first quarter.

Page 2 of 3 - Brady was immediately offered a chance for redemption, and delivered. He shook off the pick-six and manufactured a workmanlike nine-play, 74-yard drive, taking advantage of three penalties against the Eagles. Brady found Kenbrell Thompkins in the end zone on a tight back shoulder pass for a 15-yard score, and Stephen Gostkowski’s extra point knotted the score at 7-7 with 5:14 remaining in the first quarter.

Gillette Stadium was then given its first look at Chip Kelly’s high-powered offense. It lasted all of one play.

Nick Foles connected with receiver Ifeanyi Momah on a short 8-yard gain, but linebacker Dont’a Hightower knocked the ball from Momah’s grasp and defensive lineman Tommy Kelly recovered the fumble to give New England possession at the Eagles’ 28-yard line.

Instead of Brady, though, it was Garoppolo who took the spot under center.

"They kind of just threw me in there," said Garoppolo. "It was kind of a last-minute thing. But you know, you always have to be ready. When any opportunity comes you have to be ready to take advantage of it."

The rookie has struggled at times during training camp, showing a lack of poise and poor decision-making. But he played well against Washington last week, and took the field before Mallett, the incumbent backup.

Garoppolo, it seems, has found his legs during game time. The Eastern Illinois product guided the Patriots on two scoring drives, connecting with James Develin on a 15-yard score with 2:45 remaining before finding newcomer Brandon LaFell at the back of the end zone through tight coverage to give the Patriots a 21-7 advantage.

"It felt good going into this game," said Garoppolo. "Had a good week of practice. Going against another team always brings out the competitive spirit in everyone so I thought our whole team had a good week this week."

The Eagles offense found its stride in the second quarter, after most of the starters came out. Foles hit Zach Ertz for a 6-yard score at the 3:40 mark, and former Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez led the Eagles on a 5-play, 61 yard drive that tied the game at 21-21 heading into halftime.

Mallett turned in a much tighter performance than last week’s, albeit against the Eagles reserves. Still, he led New England to three touchdowns in the second half, including a highlight reel connection with Brian Tyms on a perfectly executed corner route from 17 yards out to give New England a 42-28 lead with five minutes remaining in the third quarter.

"We had the momentum all game I feel like," said Mallett. "We played well throughout the game, it continued in the second half. We still have some little things to work on but it was a lot better than last week."

Page 3 of 3 - NOTES: Continuing a trend by flag-happy officials throughout the preseason, 21 penalties were called in the game. … In addition to the play of the Patriots three quarterbacks, New England racked up 250 yards rushing. ... The Patriots defense forced four turnover (two fumbles, two interceptions), and converted those into 21 points. ... Eighteen players didn’t suit up for the Patriots, including linebacker Jerod Mayo, receiver Aaron Dobson, cornerback Alfonzo Dennard and tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Craig Gilvarg can be reached at 508-626-4405 or cgilvarg@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @CraigGilvarg